ADHS is pleased to introduce a series of conversations with former ADHS students from many walks of life.

Our first guest joined us on December 7th. Emily Paige graduated from ADHS in 1998 and has gone on to have a very successful career in media and animation. Emily is the Director, Producer and Managing Partner for E*D Films, an animation and technology studio based in Montreal. Emily has worked on a number of international projects and has been nominated for and has won a Webby Award. Emily has an MA in Art Education, with a focus on digital media education.

This was such a valuable experience for the students and staff who attended. Emily spoke about her experiences while at school, her learnings since school and advice for students who may be interested in a career in this field. Many of her messages were universal: take risks; make mistakes and learn from them; don't doubt yourself; people take different paths to a career and a successful life; ask questions; be authentic; learn how to use tools for digital collaboration; connect your learning to a bigger 'why' in real-life. Our second guest, Will Affleck, joined us on December 21st. Will recently completed his PhD in the Department of Psychiatry at McGill University. His doctoral research examined issues of psychological trauma among Tamil minority in Sri Lanka, and recently arrived Sri Lankan refugees to Canada. He is currently working on issues on youth suicide in the Canadian Arctic. Students interested in signing up for this presentation are asked to sign up outside of Student Services.

Milo Richards joined us February 9th. Milo was born and raised in Almonte. He graduated from ADHS and went on to Sir Sanford Fleming College to study Natural Resources Drilling and Blasting. He then studied Environmental Studies and Geography at Lakehead University and also received his teaching qualifications. Milo has worked as a driller in the United States, a wilderness guide and a teacher in the northern parts of Canada. Milo now works as a firefighter with the city of Ottawa. Milo enjoys canoeing, kayaking hunting, trapping and archeology.

Upcoming Presentations:

Monday, February 26: Emily Arbour

Emily is the owner and found of Cheerfully Made Goods and Markets in Almonte. She is also the maker behind Campy, a line of candles that she madkes and wholesales to retailers across North America. Emily graduated ADHS in 1998 and went on to both Sheridan College (Art Fundamentals) and Seneca College (Creative Advertising). Despite not working long in the Advertising Industry, Emily uses what she has learned in both school and in life to create a successful business for herself here in town. She is a mom of 2 great kids and proudly still has a relationship with almost all of her high school friends.

Students interested in signing up for our first presentation are asked to sign up outside of Student Services. Community members who would like to attend should contact the school in advance at 613-256-1470.

It was great to welcome former students back to ADHS to talk to them about their fascinating journeys from high school to where they are today.

We look forward to many other interesting presentations in the New Year.

If you are a former ADHS graduate and interested in being a presenter or you would like to suggest someone you'd like to hear as a presenter, please contact the school at 613-256-1470 ext. 2509. Stay tuned for updates to the calendar of speakers.